The Environmental Legacy Associated with Abandoned Mines and Orphaned Mines

Currently, site reclamation is planned for during the permitting process and is incorporated into the mining operation. However, this was not always the case. Many mine sites were legally abandoned in an un-reclaimed or poorly reclaimed condition because mining was completed before environmental regulations went into effect. These abandoned mines are scars on the landscape and cause most of the water pollution attributed to mining. These old mines are considered abandoned because, in most countries, no one is legally required to reclaim the land or to treat the water. A similar problem occurs at mine sites that are or were operated by companies that have gone bankrupt. (more…)

Biodiesel is more Efficient and in Harmony with the Environment

biodiesel efficient environment
Researchers at the University of Cádiz (UCA) propose a technological change in the current process onhow to make biodiesel more efficient and in harmony with the environment. The Department of Innovation, Science and Enterprise has financed the project of excellence ‘Development of a monolithic catalyst alumina / aluminum for the production of biodiesel’ with 62,000 euros. (more…)

Social and Environmental Implications of the Direct Energy Use Patterns of Households

environmental implications energy households
Lack of access to cleaner energy and the negative outwardnesses associated with energy consumption tend to cycle of poverty for poor households in developing countries. Because the poor lack access to, and often can not to afford cleaner and higher quality fuels and electricity and are therefore dependent on poor and inefficient burning biofuels such as wood and dung. (more…)

Air Pollution Problems from Energy Production and Use

air pollution problems
The increased use of fossil energy since the industrial revolution, and especially since 1950, has been the major cause of increased emissions of air pollutants and, correspondingly, many environmental problems. Emissions due to the use of energy are major sources of sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon dioxide, and soot and constitute a large contribution of methane, non-methane volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals. (more…)